Iso-roll table

ABSTRACT

An improved medical procedure table has motorized elevation, Trendelenburg tilt, floating tabletop with both longitudinal and lateral travel, multi-caster control, and an iso-roll device for the tabletop. The iso-roll device is connected between a roll plate and a cross plate. The iso-roll device includes a pair of iso-roll guide plates, which are mounted laterally to a bottom of the roll plate. Each iso-roll guide plate has an arcuate guide channel therein having an upwards concave shape. A set of cam followers are positioned in both guide channel and travel therein and also fixedly mounted to a base on the cross plate. A center of radius of the arcuate guide channel is approximately 5 inches above the tabletop. Further, mounted between the iso-roll guide plates and to the roll plate is a support guide plate having an arcuate bottom surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following application is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/932,182,filed Feb. 18, 2011, entitled Iso-Roll Table, by the same inventors.

REFERENCE TO FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NA

REFERENCE TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENTS

NA

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

NA

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to medical tables for medicalprocedures, and, in particular, relates to tables that are used forvascular and interventional medical procedures, and, in greaterparticularity, relates to tables having an iso-axis.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Imaging devices are an important part of medical technology because theyprovide a view of internal features whether of tissues, bones, ororgans. Due to improvements in electronics, imaging devices have becomeportable, smaller and can be mounted on movable arms with a mobile base.The portable imaging system is used with a mobile table positioned toallow the x-ray source and detector free movement around and about thepatient. During a radiology procedure involving x-rays, an iso-center isdefined as an orbital center or the point where the x-ray source anddetector rotate about. An object of anatomical interest positioned atthe iso-center will remain within the field of view as the imagingsystem is rotated and re-positioned about the patient. It is thus veryimportant and beneficial to position the region of interest within apatient at such a point during the procedure. In some procedures thetabletop must be rotated to provide better access to the patientanatomy. If the region of interest is placed on the imaging iso-centerand the table can provide iso-centric rotation the imaging systemsand/or the table can be rotated without having the region of interestmove outside the imaging area.

The tabletop holding the patient for such procedures thus must be movedif additional areas are to be observed. Many of the tables used forthese procedures have tabletops that can be moved in many degrees offreedom. Existing tables typically have a point of rotation that islocated under the tabletop; thus as the tabletop is rotated the tabletopis displaced left or right as it swings about an arc with a center ofrotation located under the tabletop and patient. During imaging, if thetabletop is rolled to the left or right a region of interest within theanatomy of a patient will appear to move laterally across the field ofview of the imaging system. If the center or axis of rotation could bedisplaced from a location under the table to a point above it then thetable axis of rotation could be placed in a location that would be ofbenefit relative to the position of key parts of the human anatomy; thespine for example as well as simultaneously coincident with the axis ofrotation of the imaging system. If the table axis of rotation is placedon iso-center along with the region of interest (a section of the spine)then table rotation can be accomplished without causing the region ofinterest to drift or move out of the field of view.

There are some table designs that utilize complex linkages andmechanisms to create an approximation of an axis of rotation that islocated above the tabletop. In such designs the point of rotation is notfixed though it does exist above the tabletop and within a patient'sanatomy.

The manufacturing of these tables thus should minimize complexmechanical devices providing these many degrees of freedom to reduce thecost of these tables.

Examples of tables are shown in several patents and patent applicationpublications. U.S. Patent Application 2003/0145383 discloses a lateraltilting device using four legs driven by a motorized screw. The top ofthe legs are attached to the tabletop and the bottom to the supportcolumn. U.S. Patent Application 2004/0172758 discloses a table havinglongitudinal tilt with the ability to provide iso-center tracking. Theiso-center being a point at which radiation is provided to the patientby the radiating machine. U.S. Patent Application 2005/0015878 disclosesa lateral and longitudinal tilting device. A frame is mounted to asupport column. The frame is pivoted on orthogonal axes having twoactuators driving the respective frame. The axes of rotation are thusbelow the tabletop. U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,760 discloses a table having alateral tilting device. The tabletop has a pair of circular tracks thattravel upon rolls thereunder. A driving means is attached to an axleunder the tabletop. U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,423 discloses a table withlateral tilt using four legs between a top and bottom frame. A pair ofactuators controls the movement of the top frame. U.S. Pat. No.7,000,271 discloses a C-arm x-ray machine providing x-rays to aniso-center point.

Accordingly, there is a need for an imaging table having an iso-rollaxis above the tabletop and located on or substantially close to theiso-center of the imaging system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at a medical table having a tabletopfor patient support. The tabletop can move in multi-degrees of freedomto maintain an iso-center during treatment and/or during examination.

The improved medical procedure table has motorized elevation,Trendelenburg tilt, floating tabletop with both longitudinal and lateraltravel, multi-caster control, and an iso-roll device for the tabletop.The iso-roll device is connected between a roll plate and a cross plate.The iso-roll device includes a pair of iso-roll guide plates, which aremounted laterally to a bottom of the roll plate. Each iso-roll guideplate has an arcuate guide channel therein having an upwards concaveshape. A set of cam followers are positioned in both guide channel andtravel therein and also mounted to a base on the cross plate. A centerof radius of the arcuate guide channel is approximately 5 inches abovethe tabletop. Further, mounted between the iso-roll guide plates and tothe roll plate is a guide plate having an arcuate bottom surface. Aseries of side rollers and bottom rollers securely contain the guideplate. A linear actuator and a support rod are mounted parallel to eachother to the roll plate and the cross plate. The linear actuator movesthe roll plate as commanded so that the roll plate with the tabletopthereon moves laterally about the center of radius, or iso-axis. Thelateral tilt provided is approximately ±12 degrees.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide animproved imaging table for radiology procedures.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide an improvedimaging table for radiology procedures involving vascular andinterventional medical procedures.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide an improvedimaging table having an iso-roll lateral tilt device.

It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide animproved imaging table having a lateral tilt device with an iso-centerand iso-axis above the tabletop.

It is still a further feature of the present invention to provide animproved imaging table having a lateral tilt device with an iso-axisabove the tabletop wherein the tabletop rotates about the iso-axisduring movement.

It is yet a further feature of the present invention to provide animproved imaging table having a lateral tilt device with an so-axisabove the tabletop and constructed in a manner to minimize costs andhaving a minimum of mechanical parts and still providing patientstability, flexibility in use, and high imaging capabilities.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedin conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and notto limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements,and in which:

FIG. 1 is right side view of the table of the present invention with thecover removed, the right side being on the right when viewed from theleft or foot end, FIG. 1, of the table where the feet are normallypositioned;

FIG. 2 is a front or head end view of the table of FIG. 1 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is an rear or foot end view of the table of FIG. 1 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view looking down at the iso-roll device of thetable of FIG. 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right side view looking up at the iso-roll device of thetable of FIG. 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a right side view looking back at the iso-roll device of thetable of FIG. 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a right side view looking forward at the iso-roll device ofthe table of FIG. 1 of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a right side view looking down into the iso-roll device of thetable of FIG. 1 of the present invention;

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed at an imaging table used for variousmedical procedures, in particular, vascular and interventionalprocedures.

Turning to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by likereference numerals throughout the various figures, attention isinitially directed to FIG. 1 being a right side view of a table 10 ofthe present invention with a cover, not shown, removed from a supportcolumn 12 that is attached to a base 18; the right side being on theright when viewed from the left or foot end 14 of the table 10 where thefeet are normally positioned on a tabletop 16. It should be understoodthat a longitudinal direction is parallel to arrow 20 and that a lateraldirection is perpendicular thereto.

The present invention is sold by Image Diagnostics, Inc., of Fitchburg,Mass., as the Aspect ISR model and may be viewed at the website ofwww.imagediagnostics.com as of the filing date herein. The table 10 hasa 4-way floating tabletop 16, an iso-roll device 22, a Trendelenburgfeature 24, and motorized elevation 26, controlled by a hand control,not shown. The features of the 4-way floating tabletop 16, theTrendelenburg feature 24, and the motorized elevation 26 are allconsidered to be of conventional design and shown by one or more of theabove patents which are incorporated by reference. The table 10 has acantilevered, carbon fiber tabletop 16 for improved imaging with anapproximate size of 2 by 7 feet with an imaging length of 5 feet. Thetabletop 16 is cantilevered off of the support column 12 such that aC-arm x-ray source and x-ray imager can be positioned around thetabletop near the overhang. The table 10 has an adjustable elevationfrom about 33 to 43 inches, a Trendelenburg tilt of ±12 degrees, a 4-waymanual floating tabletop 16 with a hand controller, not shown, where thetabletop 16 has a longitudinal travel of about 32 inches and atransverse or lateral travel of 8 inches, and with multi-casters 28having total lock, total unlock, and steering lock through the centercasters. The table 10 weights approximately 600 pounds and operates withselectable voltage of 120 or 230 VAC, with a battery backup.

FIG. 2 is a front end view of the table 10 as seen in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 isa read end view of the table 10 as seen in FIG. 1. The front end beingthe head end and the rear end being the foot end of the tabletop 16.

It should be understood that the particular iso-roll device 22 shown isone example of accomplishing the features of the present invention.Turning to FIG. 4, a top 30 of table 10 is shown from the left sidelooking slightly down into the iso-roll device 22. The tabletop 16 has aframe 32 to which a pair side rails 34 are mounted. Mounted to a bottom36 of the tabletop 16 is a pair of longitudinal rails 38. The tabletoprails 38 slide in tabletop rail guides 40 secured to a top 42 of a rollplate 44. The iso-roll device 22 is connected to a bottom 46 of the rollplate 44 and a top 48 of a cross plate 50. The cross plate 50 has a pairof traverse/lateral rails 52 that are mounted upon a bottom 54 and to aset of lateral rail guides 56 mounted on a top of a Trendelenburg plate58. It should be understood that the components noted above may be madeof machined aluminum and alloys thereof, for example, although othermetal would be suitable but more expense. The parts are further attachedby means of machine screws and/or bolts and nuts of high quality.

The iso-roll device 22 includes a pair of iso-roll guide plates 60 thatare mounted laterally to the bottom 46 of the roll plate 44. Eachiso-roll guide plate is mounted perpendicular to the roll plate 44. Eachiso-roll guide plate 60 has an arcuate guide channel 62 therein havingan upwards concave shape having a center of radius that places theiso-axis 64, FIGS. 2 and 3, approximately 5 inches above a surface 66 ofthe tabletop 16. A set of support rollers or cam followers 68, FIG. 3,three in each guide channel 62, for example, are positioned in the guidechannel 62 and travel therein and also mounted to a base plate 70. Thebase plate 70 is fixedly attached to the cross plate 50. For furthersupport to the tabletop 16 which may hold a patient weighing up to 450pounds, for example, a support guide plate 72 is mounted perpendicularbetween the iso-roll guide plates 60 and to the roll plate 44 and has anarcuate bottom surface 74 that is similarly shaped in curvature as thearcuate channel 62. A series of side rollers 76 and bottom rollers 78contain/hold the support guide plate 72 at the bottom thereof and therollers 76 and 78 are also mounted to the cross plate 50. Appropriatesensors may be mounted in the iso-roll device 22 to monitor movement ofthe support guide plate 72, i.e., the tilt thereof.

Referring to FIG. 5, the roll plate 44 is tilted by a driver device 80that provides rotation and stability to the tabletop 16. The driverdevice 80 is position on the head side 82 of the iso-roll device 22. Alower end of the driver device 80 is secured to the cross plate 50 by alower bracket 84 and to the roll plate 44 by an upper bracket 86.Secured to each bracket in parallel are a linear actuator 88 and agas-spring rod 90. This combination provides the force to move the crossplate 44 and stability to the tabletop since any lash in the actuator 88is taken up by the gas spring rod. The driver device 80 moves the rollplate 44 as commanded so that the roll plate 44 with the tabletop 16thereon moves laterally about a center of radius, or iso-axis 64. Thelateral tilt provided is approximately ±12 degrees.

FIGS. 6 to 8 provide additional views of the iso-roll device 22 for afurther understanding of the workings therein.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that allmatters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

1. A table for medical procedures, said table comprising: a tabletop; asupport column operatively connected to said tabletop, said tabletopbeing cantilevered thereon for adjustably moving said tabletop in amedically operative procedure, including roll device having at least onearcuate channel for moving the table top about a roll axis above theplane of the tabletop; and a base connected to said support fortransportation.
 2. The table for medical procedures as defined in claim1, wherein the tabletop has a low x-ray attenuation and is composed of aplastic material
 3. The table for medical procedures as defined in claim1, wherein said roll device is mounted between plates havinglongitudinal and lateral rails/rail guides thereon.
 4. The table formedical procedures as defined in claim 3, wherein an upper plate is aroll plate and the lower plate is a cross plate.
 5. The table formedical procedures as defined in claim 4, wherein said roll devicecomprises: a pair of guide plates, each guide plate being mounted to theroll plate, each guide plate having an arcuate channel therein having acenter of radius such that a roll axis is located above the tabletop andis parallel to the longitudinal direction; a support guide plate, saidsupport guide plate being mounted to the roll plate, said guide platehaving an arcuate bottom surface; a plurality of cam followers, said camfollowers traveling within said arcuate channels of the guide plates,said cam followers being fixedly mounted to a cross plate; a pluralityof rollers in rolling contact with the sides of said support guide plateand the bottom arcuate surface of said support guide plate to insurestability of the roll plate, said plurality of rollers fixedly attachedto the cross plate; and a driver, said driver moving the roll plate in atilting manner as required by an operator, said driver being operativelyattached to said roll plate and said cross plate.
 6. The table formedical procedures as defined in claim 5, wherein an iso-axis is locatedapproximately between 2 and 12 inches from the tabletop surface.
 7. Thetable for medical procedures as defined in claim 6, wherein saidiso-axis is located approximately 5 inches from the tabletop surface. 8.The table for medical procedures as defined in claim 5, wherein saiddriver comprises: a linear actuator; and a gas spring rod.
 9. Animproved table for medical procedures, the improved table comprising:roll device, said roll device being able to rotate a tabletop about anaxis being longitudinally located above the tabletop surface.
 10. Theimproved table as defined in claim 9, wherein the axis is locatedapproximately 2 to 12 inches from the tabletop surface.
 11. The improvedtable as defined in claim 10, wherein the axis is about 5 inches fromthe tabletop surface.
 12. The improved table as defined in claim 9,wherein said roll device comprises: a pair of guide plates, each guideplate being mounted to a roll plate, each guide plate having an arcuatechannel therein having a center of radius such that an axis is locatedabove the tabletop and is parallel to a longitudinal direction; asupport guide plate, said support guide plate being mounted to a rollplate, said guide plate having an arcuate bottom surface; a plurality ofcam followers, said cam followers traveling within said arcuate channelsof the guide plates, said cam followers being fixedly mounted to a crossplate; a plurality of rollers in rolling contact with the sides of saidsupport guide plate and the bottom arcuate surface of said support guideplate to insure stability of the roll plate, said plurality of rollersfixedly attached to the cross plate; and a driver, said driver movingthe roll plate in a tilting manner as required by an operator, saiddriver being operatively attached to said roll plate and said crossplate.
 13. The improved table as defined in claim 12, wherein saiddriver comprises: a linear actuator; and a gas spring rod.
 14. A processfor controlling an center location for a patient located on a tabletopof a table for medical procedures as defined in claim 1, said processcomprising the steps of: identifying the center location of a radiologydevice; placing the patient on the tabletop wherein the center locationis located within the patient at a desired location; locating roll axisof the roll device in the center of the radiology device; and performinga medical procedure by moving the tabletop wherein the roll axis remainslocated in the center location.
 15. The process as defined in claim 14,wherein the roll axis is located approximately 2 to 12 inches from atabletop surface.
 16. The process as defined in claim 15, wherein theroll axis is preferably located approximately 5 inches from the tabletopsurface.
 17. The improved table as defined in claim 12, wherein saidroll device is able to roll about an axis and said axis is an iso-axis.